FOR THE BIRDS: DOREEN

Have you entered our challenge this month? Today is the last day and here showing you one last bit of inspiration for this challenge is our newest design team member Doreen. Way to bust down the door Doreen!
Deb♥


My layout for the “For the Birds” Challenge is my first layout for “If Its Groovy”.
The funny thing about the layout is it may be the first for this challenge, but it is not the first layout I have made of these pictures. The truth is, I scrapped the pictures before, but after I finished the layout, I just wasn’t happy w/ it. I am not a believer in re-doing layouts because, well really…who has time to re-do a layout when there are so many more that need to be done?! But, I just could not stop thinking about it… I literally woke up and went to bed still thinking about how much I hated the layout! Crazy huh?! Well, I decided that if it bothered me that much, I would put my ‘rule’ aside and just re-do the darn thing! So I did and here it is! Ta-da! I am 100% happy w/ it now and what a scrappy-relief it is too! This experience taught me 2 things:
1. Be thankful for the digital age when you can just re-print or re-order pictures whenever you feel like it (I had to throw the originals away when I destroyed my layout)
2. Some rules are okay to break! It is okay to go back and re-do old layouts if it would truly make you feel better.
I know not every layout I make will be a masterpiece and I am okay w/ that…most of the time. But when I’m not, I now feel okay w/ the fact that I can try it again!

Meet The Newest Groovy Chick, Doreen

If It's Groovy is uber excited to have added a new member to our team and it is time to introduce this lovely lady! Meet Doreen!

Hello!


Allow myself to introduce….myself… :0)

My name is Doreen… I have no nicknames, well none that I can share… my hubby has one for me that is cute but might offend - LOL!

I have been married to the love of my life, David, since July 2001, so that makes us married…over 9 years.

I have 2 kids: Joseph (15yrs) and Madison, or Madi as we like to call her, (9yrs in January).

We have 3 fur-babies: a mutt named Spotty, a boxer named Daisy, and a poodle named Ivanna.

We have had Spotty for a number of years but Daisy and Ivanna came to us last year when my Grandpa died and we took them in. Ivanna is my buddy and when I am home we are literally inseparable!

We also have 3 goldfish: Marbles, Bubbles, and Orangey --- but don't ask me to tell you which is which – LOL!

I work full-time as a Payroll Supervisor for the County of Riverside . I have worked for the County, in various positions for over 13 years.

In my spare time, which is rare, I love to scrap, read, watch my favorite shows: "Grey's Anatomy", "Private Practice", " Cougar Town " and "Supernatural" and take naps (I really need my sleep!).

I was born in Spain but came to the US when I was around 5 years old. Since being here I have lived in Southern, CA. Spanish was my first language, but since I did move here at a young age, I do not know any Spanish.

I love all kinds of music, I'm not really picky, but I prefer dance music.

I have been scrapping since Joseph was a wee-one, but have really taken it more seriously w/in the last 3 or so years. I enjoy it, a-lot! Almost to the point where it's an obsession! :0) I need to watch it before my friends and family decide to hold an in intervention!

I am very excited to join the Groovy Chicks and look forward to the inspiration I know I will be receiving from them. I just hope I will be able to inspire as well.

Well, as you can see I love to `talk' but I must stop before I turn this intro into a novel!

Thanks for having me and I am looking forward to seeing where this new chapter in my life takes me.

Hugs and kisses xoxoxo


Now we asked her one of the stand by questionaires for fun too!
Read on...


WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?

Yes. My birth name was Dorotea (Spanish for Dorothy). Dorothy was my Grandmother's middle name. I had my name legally changed to Doreen my Senior Year of HS when I became a citizen.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

Can't really remember… I think it was when I watched the Season Finale of Grey's Anatomy. I'll probably be crying this weekend when I watch last night's episode of "Private Practice" --- it looks really sad!

DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Ummmm….yes, most of the time.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Turkey

DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes, a boy and a girl

IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes, but not on Mondays --- I hate Monday's and it shows – LOL!

DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? All the time!!!!!

DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes

WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? "H" to the "E" to the double "L" NO!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Honey Nut Cheerios!!

DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yes. I have to wear my shoes tied tight, so I cannot get them off unless I untie them!

DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Physically no – I'm quite wimpy. Mentally and emotional – depends on the situation.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Mint Chocolate Chip – Hands down!

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their clothes – I love fashion!

RED OR PINK? Pink please!

WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My legs --- they're thick, like tree trunks!

WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? No one

WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Black boots

WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Bacon, egg, & cheese breakfast burrito

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? "Beat It" by MJ on Pandora Radio

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Brown – My fav color

FAVORITE SMELLS? Kim Kardashian's perfume and the smell of baking cookies or brownies

WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My boss

MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE? Beach House

FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? None… but if I have to choose – women's gymnastics

HAIR COLOR? Right now it's dark brown, but ask me again in a month!

EYE COLOR? Brown

DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes – but during the week, at work, I wear glasses. Save my contacts for looking good on the weekend!

FAVORITE FOOD? Nachos, Nachos, NACHOS (w/ everything on it)!!

SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Neither - Comedy

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? " Shutter Island "

WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? A brown and white striped thermal from American Eagle --- love it and I think I look quite cute in it!

SUMMER OR WINTER? SPRING OR FALL? Fall

HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs

FAVORITE DESSERT? Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies

STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO? Cardio – "Just Dance" anyone?

COMPUTER OR TELEVISION? Both - I love TV but I spend a lot of time on the PC so I watch my shows while on the PC.

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? No books right now --- but lots of celebrity gossip magazines!

WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? No mouse pad

FAVORITE SOUND? A silent house – LOL!

ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Neither

WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Hawaii

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Nope – Unless you count being a really good speller a talent

WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Barcelona , Spain

WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW? San Bernardino , CA

WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE? Tan w/ dark brown trim

WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR? Red

Friday Night Sketch from Natalie!

Each Friday Night this month I will be showing you a new and exclusive design by our very own Natalie. Come in from work, relax for a minute, and then get creative! It's a wonderful way to start out your weekend dontchathink?



Would you like to take on the challenge of using her sketch? Feel free and then be sure to email me at groovydeb@yahoo.com and I will show it right here for all to see!

Thanksgiving Freebie!!!

Did you fill your memory card yesterday taking Thanksgiving pics? I have a great deal for you to check out today! Go here to Walgreens for your FREE 8x10 Collage. I have done these every time they offer them and I am never disappointed. Get yours too! The deal ends tomorrow, so chop chop!!!

See you back here tonight for Natalie's Friday night sketch!
Deb♥

Thankful for You!!!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Here is a card I made to share today. I am giving it to my parents. We have a lot to be thankful for this year since my dad's health was so compromised for much of the year. Thank you to all of my online bloggy friends who took part in sharing prayers for his recovery! I am thankful for all of you!!!
Deb♥

Autumn and Thanksgiving Decor

Have you carved a little time out before the big holiday weekend to decorate something to hang up? Jen is helping us with a festive thought here today...
Deb♥

I am probably one of the few people that do not put up there Xmas decorations 'til after Thanksgiving because I like to have my Autumn and turkey decorations up for Thanksgiving...I
really wanted to make an Autumn banner for my house....my friend and I first decided to make them by buying the shaped chipboard which is actually a chipboard album taken apart. I used a GCD chipboard album set, then cut and covered each piece with MME paper then inked the edges. After that I used thin Martha Stewart string to tie each one together to make the banner and topped the tops with flowers (Petaloo embossed flowers and vintage buttons from the thiftstore).I cut letters from my Cricut machine in brown cardstock. The I glue dotted the lace trim on that I got from a thrift store, made loops in the string on the ends and used the binder rings that came with the chipboard to hook it onto my curtain rod to display. Oh! I almost forgot I
stamped leaves and then cut them out and added them under the flowers to add more dimension.

Jen had enough leftover to make this great lo to share today too!

FOR THE BIRDS: JEANNIE

Are you a Digi Scrapper? It's a fun way to work on our challenge this month :) Here is one with digi options from Jeannie!
Deb♥






For the Birds, now that was a fun layout to do! I used a DIGI STAMP by a wonderful artist named Therese Travis. You can find her at theresetravis.net. This was originally a DIGI STAMP, but I told her what I was doing and she created this .svg file for me to use on my CRICUT. The inspiration for this page comes from a glass bird I used to have. It was called “THE BLUEBIRD OF HAPPINESS.” You can find the folk lore behind the “BLUEBIRD OF HAPPINESS” by Googling it.
I made my birds all in shades of blue and the Whimsical bluebird on my frame is a cut file from MYSCRAPCHICK.COM.
I love using my Cricut on my projects and with the world of .svg files out there, I can make almost anything in my head, come to life on paper. I hope you enjoyed my happy page.
The phrase on my page says:
“My Bluebirds of happiness….” The fine print reads “and my insanity, lack of sleep, messy house, etc.”, meaning they are the cause of it ALL for me! In their defense, they get a lot of help (especially in the INSANITY dept.) from their five older siblings!!

Scrapbooking Tough Subjects

I often times would like to go back and scrapbook pictures from previous relationships and know how hard that can be. I think Darlene has shown us a wonderful way this month to overcome another subject that could have been hard. Read on and take notice of the ruffle matching her mother's dress! It is so awesome!
Deb♥


Although my Mom and Dad are now separated, they did get married back in the 80's and stayed together for over 16 years. I felt that it was my duty to document what once was between them. I didn't know exactly how to title this layout as it wouldn't have fit under another more romantic phrase such as "I thee wed" or "happily ever after" so I went simple and decided on a safe title, with no implications, "just married."
I tried to use a romantic color scheme but not too frilly and this is what I came up with. I used scraps of paper from my "surmount" graduation layout (last month's Dictionary Challenge), and for that added something, I pleated silky ribbon, with added pearls to cover the stitching in the center, and handmade silky ribbon roses. I used a handmade hat pin that a friend had given me as another element of pizazz. The swirly dots on the bottom left corner are actually on transparency paper and made by another friend with, I think, nail polish (my friend used an existing rhinestone bling to trace onto the transparency paper the swirl design) from which I closely trimmed the excess transparency from. I think I am rather fond of the contemporary romantic feel of the patterns and colors, and also, the positive memories it brings me to look at these photos and have a reminder of a happy time in my parents marriage.

I hope this inspires you to scrapbook a memory that you no longer find relevant today, but perhaps one day, you can look back and smile at what once was.

FOR THE BIRDS: DARLENE

Do you ever find it hard to scrapbook important events such as weddings or religious ceremonies? Darlene has shown us in her layout today that monochromatic is the way to go. Let the picture(s) take center stage!
Deb♥

I hardly do any dainty, subtle-colored layouts and decided to give myself an extra challenge to match this photo and occasion. This is a photo of my little, now 14 year old, sister who made her First Holy Communion and Confirmation last Easter Sunday. She didn’t like me posing her to take these photos, but she was a good sport anyhow and these frame was the one I liked best of the photos. Doesn’t she look like a little angel?

I spent the majority of my time working on finding the “perfect” papers and elements for this layout, because my style lately has been loud and bold, I have very few sheets of feminine/elegant papers and coordinating embellishments.

I ended up using 2 sheets of paper by Die Cuts With a View in their Luxury stack of paper for the main papers, 2 bird chipboard pieces from Glimmer Angels Crème Collection of Glimmer Chips that I misted in a shiney pearl, one sheet of a bling set to sit on either side of the layout, beige lace and pleated white lace (that I misted to get a pale pink color), strings of pearl to line the center borders, and lastly a journaling tag by American Crafts’s Sparrow line- with a Prima center on the tag/title. Although I initially struggled with the design, I was happy to make all of the very different manufactures elements work together well on a layout.

Creative Excuses!

I am so silly! I decided when my daughter needed an excuse for missing school to "doctor it up" a bit, lol! I watercolored the words...HA!!! Just had to share ")

Hope your kids and you are feeling well at this time of year!
Deb♥

Heather's Hubby

Have you taken a pic of YOUR hubby this new year? Take one today and create a lo he will not forget :)Heather did!
Deb♥


Sometimes I get so wrapped up in scrapping my kids - heaven knows that there is a lot to scrap and I am WAY behind - that I forget that my kids would probably also enjoy seeing layouts of their father and what an amazing fun dad he is!!

These pictures were taken out at the campgrounds this summer during my nephews birthday party! A spontaneous water gun fight broke out! It was lots of fun! And as you can see, my hubby participated in the fun, but somehow never had to get out of his chair!!!

I took some Timmy stamps and used a white ink pad to stamp the edges of the black cardstock. Loved how it turned out!! Then I cut the shape on my cricut, distressed the edges and then used some silver and black smooch for the lines around the edges. A little distressing of the paper strip and the hearts (with a brad through the middle of one) and ta-da! Fun simple page! Not heavily embellished but just the look I wanted!! (Side note: Hearts and title cut from Don Juan cartridge.)

So, don't forget to scrap those "older" men in our lives, as well as the little ones!!

- Heather

Friday Night Sketch from Natalie!

Each Friday Night this month I will be showing you a new and exclusive design by our very own Natalie. Come in from work, relax for a minute, and then get creative! It's a wonderful way to start out your weekend dontchathink?


Would you like to take on the challenge of using her sketch? Feel free and then be sure to email me at groovydeb@yahoo.com and I will show it right here for all to see!

FOR THE BIRDS: JEN T.

Paper Piecing, love it!!!
Deb♥

I just love this picture of my oldest daughter of her at Easter!....so when doing this page for the
for the birds challenge, I remembered a title in a magazine a while ago that I knew I could use.
So ,I pieced together some cute birds from patterned paper and stickers and added that cool title
I liked with her pic and this is the page I got from it. TFl!

Inspiration at Home

Our design team member Kelly has come to the end of her contract time with IIG and she has some final projects to share with us today. Let me say that Kelly has been wonderful to work with and has created so many projects that you should still visit her at her personal blog to see what she will be doing next :)

In the meantime a big thanks to Kelly and well wishes!
Deb♥


There have been times where my desk has become a pile of “s-crap”. For months. Yes, months. Sure, I can go to the internet or look through my pages of ideas that I’ve ripped out of magazines, but what has helped me re-fuel is to look at the “everyday”. After all, isn’t that why we scrapbook? Save some time, save your money. Look around you. What can you find to inspire you? A cereal box? A bible verse? A pair of shoes? A shower curtain?

While we may have wonderful memories from vacations, weddings, and graduations, “everyday” is where we spend most of our time. And, sometimes it’s not enough to see those memories in scrapbook form. We need to let our creative juices pour out into other things…our jewelry, paintings, walls, gardens, furniture. After all, we are not just scrapbookers. We are artists.

I’m hoping to inspire you to make your creative juices pour out.

My first source of inspiration? My bathroom tile. I hate it. Wait, HATE is such a strong word. I really, really, really, really do not like my bathroom tile. I look at it and it screams 1966! It’s cream colored with light brown flecks (which look like freckles) and every so often there is unique tile that really screams 1966! It looks like… gear shaped snowflakes?! And while I really, really, really, really do not like it in my bathroom, I’ve used it as a source of inspiration for a scrapbook page.

Here is a picture of my tile (I told you, 1966!!!)










Here is the page that it inspired.



Headline: Ugly tile inspires A Whole New World. I cut square cardstock “tiles” and fleck painted them by putting brown paint on an old toothbrush and rubbing it against a piece of plastic. After they were dry, I ran the squares through a Cuttlebug embossing folder (Swiss dots). I used Spellbinder nesting dies and Sizzix snowflake dies and assorted punches to re-create that “unique” tile design.




Right now, go look at your bathroom tile. Go. Right now, I’ll wait…Hopefully, yours is newer than 1966. But ugly or not, let it inspire your next scrapbook page. And, come back and show us your tile inspired art.

Be inspired every day, by the everyday.



Inspired Every Day Project 2
It’s hot as ever, and when looking for inspiration, I’m thinking of the cooler days to come. Today, my inspiration is in the garden. Underneath those leafy, tall stalks lay pebbles of color. I love growing Indian corn in the garden because there is a surprise in every ear. I will never be able to create anything as beautiful as God’s shiny jewels, but I try. Scraps become small circles, and the small circles become kernels. Crimped papers become leafy husks. What’s growing in your yard that can inspire you?





Be inspired every day by the everyday.

Another Groovy Birthday This Month!!!

We have another Groovy Chick birthday and it's Jen T. Her special day has arrived!

Go by her personal blog here and see what's new in her world :)

Happy Birthday Jen!!!

Sunny Days

.

The sunny days seem to be behind us, or at least the warm sunny ones where I live. It is so nice to see that the sun shines in other areas so that I can dream about feeling that warmth and wearing shorts with flip flops every day!
Deb♥


A day at the park for my family...We went to a park in San Diego County, CA called Cayamaca Rancho State Park. We had a picnic, played ball, played peek- a-boo, my daughter ate some dirt, we played on the playground equipment and ended the day taking a scary first ride down the slide! Oh, and the shirt I was wearing was so gorgeous with my matching jean capris that had a cool embroidered design on the back, but that shirt was so annoying with it's flopping around and such that I had to just donate it!!!! Crazy the things we remember, eh?

This layout was done using my Cricut Expression with the Celebrate with Flourish cartridge and I embossed the blue cardstock corners with a swirly Cuttlebug folder. I used 3D foam squares to make the die cuts pop off the page. The tags where cut using a punch that cuts three sizes of scalloped tags.

Natalie

Get Ready to Shed Tears

October as we all know is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Last year I started a tribute on IIG to do what I called Pink Out asking The Groovy Chicks, to share as many pink layouts and/or projects as they had. This was to be shown in honor of those who have fought the battle and lost, as well as to those who fight with a capital F-I-G-H-T.

Groovy Chick Jeannie has put together an amazingly beautiful Pink Out video for everyone to share in together. PLEASE take the time to listen to the beautiful words of songs by Mercy Me playing as you take a look at the women we have lost, women we love still, the women who are not even grown women yet.

Sorry we could not show this in October, but EVERY month should be October when it comes to this cause!!! We are in this together, so please fight for the cure so that WE Women stand united against the uninvited!!!

Special thanks to Groovy Chick Jeannie for her hard work!
Deb♥

Free photo slideshow generated with Smilebox

FOR THE BIRDS: KELLY (and a Tutorial)

Another great layout using punch art to make something and this month, our theme being birds, well see for yourself how cute Kelly's are!
Deb♥

From Kelly:
Whooo's smarter than this 5th grader? Well, maybe his mom. What's a gal to do when she doesn't have an owl sticker or embellishment? Recipe for an owl...a rectangle with rounded corners, a 1/2 circle, a tulip punch for claws, 2 different heart-shape punches (beak and wings), a "splat" punch (for a tuft of hair), and some googly eyes. Whoooo needs to buy an owl? Not me!

Friday Night Sketch from Natalie!

Each Friday Night this month I will be showing you a new and exclusive design by our very own Natalie. Come in from work, relax for a minute, and then get creative! It's a wonderful way to start out your weekend dontchathink?



Would you like to take on the challenge of using her sketch? Feel free and then be sure to email me at groovydeb@yahoo.com and I will show it right here for all to see!

Back in August Natalie had already drawn this sketch and used it as we showed layouts for National Sandwich Month. Wanna see? Here is a link back to it :)

Land of the Free, Because of the Brave- An Interview

Hey Everyone! Happy Veterans Day! I asked Lead Fiskateer Cheryl from Fiskars to have a chat with me. Although Cheryl represents Fiskars and the Fiskateers with their colors of orange and green, when I first online met her I knew she also had a passion for three other colors: Red White and Blue.; I know you will love her as much as I do when you read what she shares today in this interview :) Thanks to all of you for stopping by and now I bring you Cheryl...

Hi Cheryl, Thank You so much for agreeing to be my inspiration for the Land of the Free, Because of the Brave Blog Hop. Since I first met you there was one thing extremely apparent to me, one, that in your position as Lead Fiskateer that You are the "heart" of a wonderful community that stretches across our nation and many others. Secondly, You have a sense of American Pride that I find extremely endearing. I love this country and am so proud to be a citizen and I know you do too!

Hi Deb. First, I want to say thank you for the encouraging and loving words. I do love this country and the principles it was founded upon. I'm grateful I live here and can first hand (having lived overseas for six years) tell you that it is a wonderful and beautiful land!

Thank you!

Nation. To me that word means so much and I am absolutely honored when I see the Red, White and Blue American flags flying. Will you tell me what is is like for you?

I love seeing flags flying and patriotism displayed in a proud manner. The 'Grand Ol' Flag' has endured many a things and it's symbols of fifty states united, democracy and freedom stand tall. One thing that saddens me is when you see people in this land disgrace the flag. Our armed services have sacrificed for the symbol of 'Old Glory' and the freedoms the flag stands for! Long may she wave!

Have you or your family members served in our military? What branches?

My grandfather and several great uncles served in the Army, I have a brother in law that served almost thirty years in the Navy, my dad served in the Vietnam War in the Navy as well and my husband served as a Marine in Operation Desert Storm and Shield. I have several dear friends who also serve in different branches in the services. I'm so grateful that all of my family returned from their duties overseas. I'll never forget welcoming my husband home from the Persian Gulf. A memory of yellow, red, white and blue, tears, love, and pride engraved in my mind. We even had a military wedding . . .


















How did having family serving affect you and how you feel about being an American?

I grew up appreciating the sacrifice that those who serve in the armed forces provide for us as Americans. I also grew up with a respect of those that serve and the principles they serve for . . . this country, freedom, and more. I'm assuming that may be why I married my husband (partially).

I grew up in an area where there were two large Marine Corps bases (El Toro and Tustin) and the town was buzzing with young men and women who serve our country. Jet fighters would fly over our home and it reminded me of feeling protected. They have since been closed but it was such a big part of our history here in Southern California.
Again, I'm grateful for being an American . . . first hand I've seen what an impoverished country is like and experienced lack of freedom. While America today has some issues . . . I am grateful for freedom and the people in our nation from the farmer or cowboy to the NY business man or Amish family member.

In our hobby of crafting we preserve so much of our personal history with day-to-day activities, have you spent time also scrapbooking travels in your role as a Military Supportive Wife and friend? If so, what type of emotion was evoked by scrapbooking at times such as those as personal as being in places far from your loved ones? Did your crafting hobby help to subside during those times or allow for you to meet others sharing in this hobby?

When my husband was away in the Persian Gulf I didn't scrapbook however I have preserved memories of this time and my father's service in the Vietnam war since. I want my daughter to share in the pride and joy (although frightening at times) experienced when a loved one serves his/her country. I work in public service/law enforcement and still have the opportunity to serve our country and community and that also gives me a since of joy. I have also scrapped many of these memories and even shared my skills in scrapbooking to help fund raise for the military, our troops overseas and the community.

On Veterans Day as we honor those who have served in our military is there someone special that you would want to talk with us about? Pictures?

I'd love to share one of my favorite pictures with you of my dad and his best friend on a beach which was bombed days later. To this day they are still the best of friends. It's amazing the bond of serving together (especially in war) creates. My father had two daughters and so did Terry . . . both families (united by war basically) are close and have enjoyed sharing one in another's lives. I think this is the only photo we have of them in Vietnam and one we cherish!
















Do you have special ceremonies, parades, celebrations that you participate in on Veterans Day?

Each year at my daughters school they hold a Veterans Day parade. They ask relatives that have served in the armed services to join their school age family members and walk in the parade. It gives teachers, parents, spouses and other family members the opportunity to recognize these men and women for their sacrifice and service! It's a fun parade!
We also enjoy our annual Fourth of July parade here in Lake Forest. We've been attending for at least twenty years and enjoy all the patriotic festivities surrounding this event. It's a favorite every year and another opportunity to recognize those that have served past and present for our country. Our family also loves all things American . . . hot dogs, baseball and Apple pie :)








Thank you for taking time with me today. Many wishes for a Happy Veterans Day and Thank You for all that you do to be a concerned, loving, caring and giving citizen who truly shines with love of her country and what she stands for, Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.

From sea to shining sea, as citizens I am hoping you'll thank that man or woman who serves or has served our country. God bless America!

One last thing from Cheryl and that is a quote she loves by our 16th president...


America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.
Abraham Lincoln

A Few More Hours...

...and we will have us a full fledged crop happening here and 19 other blogs so come on back at Midnight!

Thanks to all of our Service Men and Women as well as their families for all of the sacrifices you make so that we Americans can endure our freedom! I hope our blog hopping shows you ALL how much we ♥ YOU!
Deb♥

It's One Thing or Another

Last week my 15 year old was stressing BIG TIME because her straight A average is in jeapardy. I talked to her for a long time about it and how amazing she is to me; How proud she makes me, and how being a sophmore and never bringing home B's or lower has been just outstanding. I made this card to leave for her on report card day as a reminder because it really is so important to her to keep her GPA high for college in the next few years. What a good girl! Please inform me of scholarships if you know of any she should apply for!

This 4 panel card has removable pocket tags and was inspired by a member of the Fiskateer board. I think I am changing gears though and am going to use it as an embellie after she reads it...if she lets me use it for a page. Always have to record events and that includes the ones she is not exactly thrilled with right?
Deb♥

FOR THE BIRDS:HEATHER

Here is a beauty for Heather's lo for our challenge this month :)
Deb♥

I have been playing with masking and just knew that i wanted to try this for this challenge. I had some old October Afternoon rub-ons left over from a previous lo so I thought this would be a good time to use them! I love the color brown and enjoyed putting the cream and orange with it! Then I had to have a picture so I found a picture of myself that my 4 year old Jackson had recently taken of me! I changed it to sepia to go with the lo! I plan to use this layout in my "Book of Me".

What I haven't decided yet is what the little birdie told me! I am thinking it may be my secrets to happiness! Just can't figure it out yet! Help me out here . . . What are your suggestions? What are your secrets to happiness? In fact, my challenge to you is to scrap a page about yourself telling about your secrets to happiness! But don't forget to include the birds so it meets the monthly challenge!!!!

Hope you enjoy my layout and I hope you find all your secrets to happiness.
Heather

Break out a Magazine for This!

Jen shares an excellent idea today!
Deb♥



Recycle your scrappy mag.--Making good use of your old scrappy magazine is as easy as making a card. With this card I just loved the patterns and the design of this Prima ad from my old scrappy magazine that was getting ready for the recycle bin. So I punched out the square designs with my square punch and hand cut out the title shape and arranged them on a plain white card base added some doodles similar to the ad ,some foam letters stickers that I embossed and then ya have a recycled stylish card :) tfl!

Friday Night Sketch from Natalie!

Each Friday Night this month I will be showing you a new and exclusive design by our very own Natalie. Come in from work, relax for a minute, and then get creative! It's a wonderful way to start out your weekend dontchathink?



Would you like to take on the challenge of using her sketch? Feel free and then be sure to email me at groovydeb@yahoo.com and I will show it right here for all to see!

Stamping and Flower Soft

Have you seen this awesome product called Flower Soft? Let's take a look at how Kelly uses it with the steps below and thn forming a perfect card!
Deb♥































Sometimes dry and heat embossing just aren't enough. A design needs some PIZAZZ! I'm sharing my first experiment with Flower Soft. Using this large stamp, I dabbed on 3 different colors of ink...(remember to "HUFF" on your stamp to make sure it's moist right before you stamp onto your paper). Once I have my image stamped, I randomly select areas to outline with my fine-tip glue pen. I shake on some Flower Soft (I'm using "Heather"), let it adhere, and then shake off the excess back into the container. On this last photo, I heat embossed the stamped outline of the bicycle with black sparkly embossing powder, and then just added the Flower Soft for the flowers in the basket. I placed it inside a window card and groovy! Now, if it was a really GROOVY bike, it would have a yellow and lime green flowered banana seat, just like mine did when I was 8. However, since I am no longer 8 years old, I think this Flower Soft added just the PIZAZZ I was looking for!